Sesamoid Fractures

Description: A fracture of the sesamoid bone(s) at the back of the fetlock joint.

Cause: Often occur at the end of a race or work-out when the horse is fatigued.

Treatment: Depends on the location of the fracture. Fractures or chips at the top of the sesamoids are easiest to repair by surgery. Some of these cases can return to a moderate riding without surgery. Middle fractures normally need to be repaired with a screw. A fracture or chip at the bottom of the sesamoid is the worst and has the poorest prognosis.

Prognosis: Poor circulation to the sesamoids impedes healing. The suspensory ligament attaches to these bones and is often involved in the injury. The prognosis depends on the location of the fracture and amount of damage to the suspensory ligament. With or without surgery, most horses’ futures may be limited to lower level disciplines, however, some have been able to return without any limitations.

New Vocations Graduates Who Sustained This Injury While Racing

Registered Name: Rooster and Rudy

Breed: Thoroughbred

Age: 2010

Race Starts: Unraced – Race Training

Last Race: N/A

Date of Injury: 2012

Total Rehab Time: Sustained sesamoid fracture to to the left hind leg in the spring, 2012 & was fully rehabbed while at the New Vocations facility prior to entering the retraining program and later adopted in the summer, 2012.

Date Adopted: 7/10/12

Current Discipline: Hunter/Jumper

Comments:Rooster and Rudy was given plenty of time off to heal and was started back under saddle slowly and correctly. As a result, Rooster is now able to have a bright, second career beyond the track and is currently excelling in the Hunter ring with his current adopter.